Topic: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I updated the software and now I have four LED lights and a motor emergency message. I didn't crash it or anything, just a simple update. When I looked at the software versions motors 1, 3, and 4 had the version numbers but all motor 2 said was 0.0. for everything.

These message boards are empty and I couldn't find anything on the internet to help me with my problem.

Before the update everything was working perfectly. I just received it in the mail earlier today, too.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I think you would need to send it in to be reflashed. That is why it pays to have a backup (a second Ar Drone 2.0) I know this from experience.
Nothing like having a non working drone and have to wait for repair. I know so would think this is crazy, but if you enjoy something as much as I do, it is well worth the extra 3beans.

3 (edited by ThatOtherGuy 04-09-2012 08:25:52)

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I wish I could throw money around like that but it's not really an option for me at the moment.

I sent a ticket to Parrot support when this happened but still no response. I guess I'm in this weird situation where the 2.0 is still so new that I can't find any help online because nobody has had this problem yet. The closest solution I could find was for the 1.0(and required downloading the original software for the 1.0 which obviously won't help me). If it is just an update issue then I don't want to buy new motors only to have the same problem.


It's frustrating because this is my first AR Drone after waiting a over year to buy one and the experience is going pretty horribly. Product malfunctions soon after I take it out of the box, virtually no support from the company and no help to be found online.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I have the exact same problem and I sent a message to Parrot too

I have that emergency engine message. When I go to the settings in AR.Freeflight 1.9 (Android), I have motors 1, 3 and 4 with their version type (1.1 I think) but motor 2 is all at 0.0

I have also red lights on each motor and a green light in the middle, under the drone...

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I have a feeling there was a communication issue between Parrot and Brookstone. After reading all the posts of people having problems this is just my guess as to what happened.

Parrot had already finalized the hardware designs and started the manufacturing of 2.0 AR.Drone. They however were still tweaking the software and figured they would have the software all worked out by May 15th. Since the AR.Drone is easily updatable via the iOS/android apps they could manufacture the drones and box them up with a basic software version on board with plans of upgrading to latest current software on launch day (May 15th). They started shipping the products out to retailers so they would have the product in stores for the release date (May 15th). Only, the correct software update has not been finished and made public as of yet. Not waiting for May 15th Brookstone started shipping the product to those who have already placed their orders. I know Best Buy does this for new products unless it has what they call a "Hard Street Date" where the manufacturer requests the product be held and not sold until the official release date.


I'm thinking Parrot is scrambling to get out a stable software update at this point.
The only thing that I find strange is how they have been going around showing off the AR.Drone 2.0 in different places working great.

6 (edited by Tim0gle 04-09-2012 22:49:48)

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Mine arrived Saturday (7 April) from Brookstone while I was out of town.  I was surprised, as Brookstone  had originally said that it would ship on 1 May 2012.  I did the software update without any issues and have been able to fly (and crash - thankfully without any damage) a few times now.  My only issue so far is, I  can't get it to record to the USB drive, I've tried 3 different drives now ranging from 1Gb to 16Gb.  It records to my iPad without any issues, and transferred the video to YouTube and my MAC.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I just wish there was a way to reset the software to the original. At this point I'm stuck with a $300 paperweight that I'm patiently waiting for a reply or something for before I send it back to Brookstone and get my money back. I'm afraid of getting another one and having the same thing happen.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

You should contact their support phone number since parrot does not monitor these forums.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Did you get any solution? What did the support say?

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Tim0gle wrote:

Mine arrived Saturday (7 April) from Brookstone while I was out of town.  I was surprised, as Brookstone  had originally said that it would ship on 1 May 2012.  I did the software update without any issues and have been able to fly (and crash - thankfully without any damage) a few times now.  My only issue so far is, I  can't get it to record to the USB drive, I've tried 3 different drives now ranging from 1Gb to 16Gb.  It records to my iPad without any issues, and transferred the video to YouTube and my MAC.

What file system was the usb stick? Also have you tried making it bootable? If I had a V2 drone I would be sticking all kinds of stick up in it wink

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Hi ThatotherGuy,

From what you have described it sounds like unfortunately there is a problem with motor number 2 on your AR Drone. This is most likely a physical problem with that motor rather than software, this motor would need to be replaced. I see that you have contacted the technical support for your country, this is the best course of action and they will get back to you directly.
I'm not sure about the country you are enquiring from but here in the UK we have just come back from a 4 day holiday weekend and this unfortunatley means that we are not able to respond as quickly as we usually do to a support enquiry.

Parrot Advisor UK 2.
technical.uk@parrot.com

08444 722360

12 (edited by ThatOtherGuy 04-14-2012 19:11:49)

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Aky wrote:

Did you get any solution? What did the support say?

I didn't get a solution yet. They emailed me asking for some more information. I replied back with the information on the 11th and I'm still waiting for a reply.


edit: Also, I'm in the United States. I completely forgot this past weekend was Easter.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

I am running AR.Freeflight v2.0 Beta. AR.Drone Hareware 2.1, Software 2.1.19.
Everything was running fine until I updated the firmware from 2.1.18 to 2.1.19. Now my number 1 motor is not responding. It's coming up as :

Type: 0.0
Hardware: 0.0
Software: 0.0

Also a message flashing in red says: 'Motors Emergency"

Ideas?

I'm in Canada. FYI

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

BlackVoid wrote:

I am running AR.Freeflight v2.0 Beta. AR.Drone Hareware 2.1, Software 2.1.19.
Everything was running fine until I updated the firmware from 2.1.18 to 2.1.19. Now my number 1 motor is not responding. It's coming up as :

Type: 0.0
Hardware: 0.0
Software: 0.0

Also a message flashing in red says: 'Motors Emergency"

Ideas?

I'm in Canada. FYI

Don't take it apart to look for loose connections. Just take it back to your nearest 'the Source' and get it replaced. I got a replacement for one with a defective motor in less than a week from the Source. They are pretty good at this.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Same here, finally decided to update from .12.  Figured since the SW on the phone received an update, maybe there was a new firmware to go along with it.  --Dead-- I'm getting the motor emergency signal.  My phone rang almost immediately after it started updating, if that had something to do with it???  Would bring it back to brookstone, but they stated would have to go through parrot.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Well..!    How could it be possible for many folks "loosing" a motor (hardware problem)?
I think it is a 2.1.19 buggie!
Software surely can disable motors, as they are digitally controlled.
Do not fall in the trap "Hardware versus Software"....
Just wait for update.
I think there is one now. 2.1.20 ??????
Nothing to loose.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Geezer wrote:
BlackVoid wrote:

I am running AR.Freeflight v2.0 Beta. AR.Drone Hareware 2.1, Software 2.1.19.
Everything was running fine until I updated the firmware from 2.1.18 to 2.1.19. Now my number 1 motor is not responding. It's coming up as :

Type: 0.0
Hardware: 0.0
Software: 0.0

Also a message flashing in red says: 'Motors Emergency"

Ideas?

I'm in Canada. FYI

Don't take it apart to look for loose connections. Just take it back to your nearest 'the Source' and get it replaced. I got a replacement for one with a defective motor in less than a week from the Source. They are pretty good at this.

They told me at the Source to get a hold of Parrot where it's a manufature warrenty. I have had no luck either way. I waited now for this latest update and that didn't work either. I now have a $370.00 paper weight that takes pictures. sad

18 (edited by Apparition 06-24-2012 17:05:33)

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

BlackVoid wrote:
Geezer wrote:
BlackVoid wrote:

I am running AR.Freeflight v2.0 Beta. AR.Drone Hareware 2.1, Software 2.1.19.
Everything was running fine until I updated the firmware from 2.1.18 to 2.1.19. Now my number 1 motor is not responding. It's coming up as :

Type: 0.0
Hardware: 0.0
Software: 0.0

Also a message flashing in red says: 'Motors Emergency"

Ideas?

I'm in Canada. FYI

Don't take it apart to look for loose connections. Just take it back to your nearest 'the Source' and get it replaced. I got a replacement for one with a defective motor in less than a week from the Source. They are pretty good at this.

They told me at the Source to get a hold of Parrot where it's a manufature warrenty. I have had no luck either way. I waited now for this latest update and that didn't work either. I now have a $370.00 paper weight that takes pictures. sad

And it does not weight too much either!    mad

Suggestion:   Save some $.  Buy a replacement motor (about $40)  and have the fun of diddling with a truly expensive toy.   It is freaking as Xtreme Sports!   Adrenaline!   Adrenaline!   really!

cool

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Wait is 2.1.20 out?  Ive been grounded all week waiting on new shafts and gears.  If.20 is out has anyone updated and any bugs to avoid.  I'm running 2.1.19 right now and want to get rid of that stupid drone drop.

iPhone 4 IOS 6
Firmware 2.1.12 and never going to change...EVER

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

2.1.20 is out... reactions are pretty mixed so far... i got good results indoors so far but due to weather i can't comment on some outdoor issues yet

1.4mile (2.25kilometer) World Record AR.Drone 2.0 long range flight
December 16th 2012.................YouTube Link here

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

b00mb00mchuck wrote:

2.1.20 is out... reactions are pretty mixed so far... i got good results indoors so far but due to weather i can't comment on some outdoor issues yet

I've pretty much made up my mind to revert to 2.1.16. I've been going through the great post by Srttuner with no luck in getting rid of 2.1.18. I followed all instruction to the letter and still no luck. Getting a little frustrated right now.

iPhone 4 IOS 6
Firmware 2.1.12 and never going to change...EVER

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Hi there.
I have just bought an AR.Drone 2.0 (I was in Las Vegas coming back to Brazil, last 06-16-2012). It worked fine since first time I´ve turned it on, updated its software and started to command it. I have played with it during all last week and everything was fine. But last friday night, when I turned it on again, it went green as usual, turned on its wifi communication, connected with my iPad and started to update a new software version. After done, I turned off my wifi connection on the iPad and turned it on again. At this moment, my iPad didn’t find the AR.Drone WiFi connection! The lights of the Drone were turned off. I tried turn off and on again my iPad connection, without success! Then I disconnected the AR.Drone battery and connected it again. It went red and after a while, turned off without turning green! And it is like this since then! The battery is ok and full of charge. I tried to repeat the procedures without success! The AR Drone doesn´t go green, neither turns its wifi on! The software on my iPad is Version V2.0.21. But without wifi connection I can do nothing! Can anybody help me with this issue ? Tks in advance.

23 (edited by Geezer 06-25-2012 01:41:39)

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

You might try to reset the drone. You can do this with a pin or toothpick where you see the small hole with the 'reset' label in the battery compartment. You need to have the battery connected to do this. Following this after a minute or two you should see the props twitch and the LEDs come on. Then try and establish a WiFi connection to your drone.

If nothing is happening, the only thing that comes to mind is that your battery is dead and needs a lengthy recharge before you try again.

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

Hi Geezer. Tks for your help. Unfortunatly, it did not work. I´ve tried in two ways: first I connected the battery and then kept pressing the reset button for more than 2 minuts. In the second way, I pressed the button before connecting the battery and waited (pressing reset) for about 2 minutes or so. The Drone still switch on its red leds but switch them off after a while, without changing to green. Its wifi doesn´t switch on yet! It looks like the problem is a little bit worse! I´m quite sure the battery is ok but I´ll try it tomorow morning anyway! Do you (or anybody here) know if there is a way to download a "boot" software, put it on a pen drive, connect the pen drive at Drone and then connect the battery, in a way the Drone could reset itself via software? Like a boot CD?

Re: Updated software and now my drone won't fly

That would be way to easy... parrot would never let customers do something that practical... then they wouldn't be able to rape us with repair bills and parts orders

1.4mile (2.25kilometer) World Record AR.Drone 2.0 long range flight
December 16th 2012.................YouTube Link here